Science Team Lead

Government of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 103,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Government of Alberta’s Environment and Protected Areas seeks a Science Team Lead in Edmonton to guide cumulative effects assessment and environmental management. You will lead a multidisciplinary team and develop science-based approaches for regional planning and policy support.

The role emphasizes translating complex scientific data into practical policy advice, collaborating with Indigenous communities and stakeholders to balance ecological, social, and economic priorities across Alberta’s

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a scientific discipline related to the position.
• Equivalency options include Masters or professional degrees with related experience.
• Professional designation or eligibility for relevant association.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and policy-focused roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead science team in cumulative effects management planning and indicators.
• Provide expert scientific advice for regional and sub-regional planning.
• Coordinate environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Lead or contribute to regional environmental assessments and studies.
• Translate complex data into clear policy advice for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with modelling specialists to inform planning and regulatory processes.
• Support development of reporting, data management and analytical solutions.
• Build relationships with Indigenous communities, ministries, regulators, industry and NGOs.
• Work with senior leadership to strengthen organizational capacity and priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Policy translation

Verbal communication

Written communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in a scientific discipline

Masters or professional degree (DVM/MD)

Related university degree

Job description

Job Information

Job Title: Lead, Science Team
Job Requisition ID: 86741
Ministry: Environment and Protected Areas
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: September 15, 2026
Classification: Scientific 4
Salary: $3,938.39 to $5,227.82 bi-weekly ($102,791 - $136,446/year)
The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. For more information, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/about-the-alberta-public-service

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas is dedicated to safeguarding Albertas natural resource and ecosystems while balancing environmental and economic needs. We focus on wildlife conservation, managing protected areas, creating environmental policies, conducting research and engaging the public through educational initiatives. Our commitment is to sustainably, ensuring Alberta’s landscapes and resources are preserved and responsibly managed for future generations.
For more information about the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas, please visit our website at: https://www.alberta.ca/environment-and-protected-areas.

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Cumulative Effects Management Planning, the Science Team Lead provides scientific leadership and strategic direction for cumulative effects assessment and environmental management initiatives across Alberta. The position leads the development and application of science-based approaches that support regional and sub-regional planning, environmental management frameworks, and evidence-based decision making.

Within the current mandate, this role has a particular focus on understanding and managing cumulative effects to land, biodiversity, species, habitats, and ecological systems. Working at the intersection of science, policy, and planning, the Science Team Lead guides the development of quantitative metrics that evaluate ecosystem condition, habitat integrity, landscape disturbance to achieve environmental outcomes across Alberta's diverse landscapes. The position plays a critical role in translating complex scientific information into practical strategies, fostering collaboration across organizations, and building consensus on environmental management approaches that balance ecological, social, cultural, and economic considerations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of scientists and technical professionals in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of environmental indicators, management thresholds, analytical tools and approaches that support cumulative effects management, environmental decision-making and land-use planning.
• Provide expert scientific advice to support regional and sub-regional planning initiatives, including the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of sub-regional plans, environmental management frameworks, and related land-use policies across Alberta.
• Lead and coordinate environmental monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities related to land and environmental planning.
• Lead or contribute to regional and landscape-scale environmental assessments and studies that enhance understanding of environmental conditions and cumulative effects across Alberta.
• Translate complex scientific and technical information into clear, meaningful policy advice and communications for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with modelling specialists and technical experts to integrate monitoring data, environmental indicators, and scenario analysis into science-informed recommendations that support planning and regulatory processes.
• Support the design and implementation of innovative reporting, data management, and analytical solutions.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities, government ministries, regulators, industry representatives, academic institutions, non-government organizations, and biodiversity monitoring organizations.
• Work closely with senior leadership to strengthen organizational capacity, support strategic priorities, and advance integrated resource management objectives.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape environmental decision-making at a provincial scale, lead innovative scientific initiatives, and contribute to the sustainable management of Alberta's natural resources. Working alongside a diverse network of experts and stakeholders, you will drive collaborative solutions that protect species, habitat and environmental quality while supporting sustainable development and responsible resource management.
The Job Description is provided for Further details on this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

• Build Collaborative Environments.
• Drive for Results.
• Agility.
• Systems Thinking.
• Creative Problem Solving.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement:

Ph.D. in a scientific discipline related to the position, plus 5 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.
Equivalency:

• Masters Degree, or DVM or MD, plus 7 years related experience;
• University graduation in a related field, plus 9 years related experience.

Additional requirements include:

• Professional designation or eligibility for membership in a relevant professional association.

Assets include:

• Extensive knowledge of cumulative effects assessment, environmental management, and land, air, water, climate, and biodiversity considerations.
• Demonstrated experience leading land-use planning, environmental management initiatives, or landscape-scale environmental assessments.
• Knowledge of Alberta's land and environmental legislation, land-use planning system, cumulative effects management approaches, and Integrated Resource Management System (IRMS).
• Strong ability to translate scientific and technical information into policy and decision-making advice.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing robust indicators and thresholds using environmental data, reporting and assessing change over time, and evaluating management performance. Experience incorporating indigenous knowledge is an asset.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and inspire high performance through coaching, mentorship, and strategic leadership.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to establish credibility, foster partnerships, and facilitate collaborative solutions to complex environmental challenges.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including government, Indigenous communities, industry, academia, and non-government organizations.
• Experience working with indigenous knowledge, biodiversity monitoring, habitat assessment, conservation planning, or wildlife and ecosystem management would be considered an asset.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

This position is a permanent, full-time role, with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday.

Travel within the area and throughout the province will be required as part of your responsibilities to coordinate with Ministry staff and colleagues, other government departments, clients, and other external stakeholders.

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as a part of the interview process.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) .
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Jane McEwen at [e-mail].